Georgia Gwinnett College's primary strength lies in its affordability, offering low-income students net prices well below national averages while maintaining manageable debt levels.
The institution provides broad access to higher education for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, though completion and earnings outcomes remain areas for continued development.
Georgia Gwinnett College is a large public institution in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving over 50% Pell-eligible students and more than 35% first-generation college students. As one of Georgia's newer four-year colleges, GGC focuses on providing accessible higher education with relatively affordable net prices across income levels. The institution ranks in the lower tier nationally for overall value, reflecting modest earnings outcomes balanced against strong affordability metrics.
The college's affordability stands out as its primary strength, with low-income students paying around $10,362 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $12,810 per year. These net prices place GGC well above average nationally for affordability, making it an accessible option for Georgia families seeking a four-year degree without excessive debt burden.
As a developing institution, Georgia Gwinnett College represents a trade-off between immediate affordability and long-term earnings potential. Students graduate with manageable debt levels and enter the workforce with foundational skills, though earnings outcomes remain below those seen at more established public universities in Georgia and nationwide.
Georgia Gwinnett College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a practical, career-focused institution serving diverse student needs. Business/Commerce dominates the academic landscape with 359 graduates annually, representing the college's largest program by enrollment and total economic impact. While Business graduates earn modest salaries around $39,549, the program's scale makes it central to the institution's identity and regional workforce contributions.
The college has made strategic investments in emerging fields, particularly Artificial Intelligence, which graduates 136 students annually with significantly higher earnings at $60,320. This program represents GGC's effort to position itself in growing technology sectors and provide students with access to higher-paying career paths. Education programs, including specialized areas like teaching students with developmental delays, offer stable public service career paths with earnings around $40,821.
Psychology, while popular with 116 graduates, shows the challenges facing liberal arts programs at career-focused institutions, with earnings around $32,925 reflecting the need for additional education or training for many graduates. The program mix overall emphasizes practical skills and direct workforce preparation, though earnings outcomes vary significantly by field choice, making major selection particularly important for students seeking to maximize their return on investment.
Georgia Gwinnett College graduates earn a median of $47,730 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to other public universities, they reflect the college's role as an access-oriented institution serving many first-generation and lower-income students who might not otherwise pursue four-year degrees.
The college's program mix centers on practical, career-focused fields. Business/Commerce represents the largest program by total economic impact, graduating 359 students annually with median earnings around $39,549. Artificial Intelligence, a growing field at GGC, produces 136 graduates who earn significantly more at $60,320, demonstrating the institution's investment in emerging technology programs. Education programs, including specialized fields like teaching students with developmental delays, offer stable career paths with earnings around $40,821, while Psychology graduates typically see more modest early-career earnings at $32,925.
The earnings trajectory at Georgia Gwinnett reflects its mission as a broad-access institution. While absolute earnings levels remain below state and national averages, graduates enter stable career paths with manageable debt burdens, creating a foundation for long-term financial stability even if initial earnings growth is gradual.
Georgia Gwinnett College delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it one of the more accessible public options in Georgia. Low-income students pay approximately $10,362 per year, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs around $12,810. Even higher-income families pay relatively modest amounts at $16,240 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for degree completion.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with about $20,076 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,500, reflecting the institution's commitment to keeping family debt burdens reasonable. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite modest earnings levels.
What makes GGC particularly sustainable financially is the balance between affordable upfront costs and manageable debt loads. While earnings may be modest initially, the combination of low net prices and reasonable borrowing means graduates aren't overwhelmed by debt payments as they establish their careers. This approach prioritizes financial stability over maximum earning potential, making it suitable for students who value predictable, low-risk educational investments.
Georgia Gwinnett College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
